As COVID-19 metrics continue to trend downward, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will enter Step One of Phase II of the state’s reopening plan.
Nearly 650,000 viral COVID-19 tests have been completed and since mid-April, the seven-day average for the positive COVID-19 test rate is down 82 percent, the three-day average of hospitalized patients is down 55 percent, and the number of hospitals in surge is down 76 percent.
Here’s what can reopen in Step One of Phase II on June 8, with contingencies:
- Retail, with occupancy limits;
- Childcare facilities and day camps, with detailed guidance;
- Restaurants, outdoor table service only;
- Hotels and other lodgings, no events, functions or meetings;
- Warehouses and distribution centers;
- Personal services without close physical contact, such as home cleaning, photography, window washing, career coaching and education tutoring;
- Post-secondary, higher education, vocational-tech and occupation schools for the purpose of completing graduation requirements;
- Youth and adult amateur sports, with detailed guidance;
- Outdoor recreation facilities
- Professional sports practices, no games or public admissions;
- Non-athletic youth instructional classes in arts, education or life skills and in groups of less than 10;
- Driving and flight schools
- Outdoor historical spaces, no functions, gatherings or guided tours;
- Funeral homes, with occupancy limits
Step Two of Phase II will begin at a later date which will be announced soon. Phase II will remain in place for at least three weeks.
When Step Two begins, here’s what can reopen:
- Indoor table service at restaurants
- Close-contact personal services, with restrictions, including:
- Hair removal and replacement
- Nail care
- Skin care
- Massage therapy
- Makeup salons and makeup application services
- Tanning salons
- Tattoo, piercing and body art services
- Personal training, with restrictions
